South Africa, New Zealand and Australia began their European tours with expected victories Saturday, but without unleashing the full power of Tri-Nations rugby on their Six Nations opponents. The Springboks beat Wales 20-15 but had to withstand a strong comeback at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium in a meeting between the World Cup holders and the Six Nations champions. New Zealand won 32-6 against Scotland at Murrayfield, but Graham Henry's All Blacks looked far below their best form and will have to play better if they are to go home with a Grand Slam of victories with Ireland, Wales and England still to come. Australia hit the front with seven minutes to go before winning 30-20 at Italy. With 2003 World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson in charge as team manager, England beat the Pacific Islanders 39-13 at Twickenham. Ireland crushed Canada 55-0 in Limerick in Declan Kidney's first game as coach. France beat Argentina 12-6 in a late match. South Africa led Wales 20-3 with tries to centers Adrian Jacobs and Jean de Villiers, and two penalties and two conversions by inexperienced flyhalf Juan Pienaar. But flyhalf James Hook kicked four penalties and winger Leigh Halfpenny added another to bring Wales within five points. “We made it far tougher than we should have,” Springboks captain John Smit said. “We took our foot off the accelerator and that cost us. After that we just got into the wrong frame of mind.” The All Blacks left stars Richie McCaw and Dan Carter on the bench until the second half, instead giving three players their debuts in making 12 changes from the team that beat Australia 19-14 in Hong Kong on Saturday. Although scoring tries through Anthony Tuitavake, Piri Weepu, Richard Kahui and Anthony Boric, the All Blacks made numerous errors and failed to punish the erratic play of the Scots. Meanwhile, Italy threatened its first win over the Wallabies with the score at 20-20 at Euganeo stadium in Padua. But Luciano Orquera missed a penalty in the 67th and New Zealand-born flyhalf Quade Cooper burst through for the decisive try six minutes later. Mirco Bergamasco scored a try in the 30th for Italy, which had two penalties each from Orquera and Andrea Marcato, who also kicked a drop goal.
